Just engaged? It’s party time! And we’re not talking about the wedding (yet). The engagement party is the first, but certainly not the last time, your family members and close friends will celebrate you and your future spouse. It’s usually a relatively casual, fun event, where all of your nearest and dearest can mix and mingle, but there can be some engagement party etiquette issues that arise. Check out these tips to planning a successful engagement party!

Congrats on your engagement! You’ve probably been showered with well-wishes since saying “yes!” and, if you’re really lucky, someone has even been generous enough to host an official engagement celebration. This will be the first in a series of events leading up to the big day itself, so live it up! Pretty up the party with festive details like custom cocktail napkins, party horns, a cool tablescape, or a fun beverage display. Head over to our roundup of engagement party decor ideas for a little inspiration.

You’ve said yes to the question you’ve been waiting for and chances are, both of you are over the moon. It makes total sense that you want to celebrate this exciting time in your life! However, hosting a fancy soirée might not be your style and there’s nothing wrong with that! There are plenty of other ways you and your S.O. can kick off your engagement. Whether you take a long weekend trip or treat yourself at the spa, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your future together. Get inspired with 9 other things to do right after you get engaged, sans party.

Soon after your engagement, not only is it common to have an intimate party to formally announce your upcoming wedding, but it also signifies the official start of your wedding countdown! Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the event, but it’s not uncommon that the groom’s parents, relatives or friends will want to host an engagement party as well. In that case, you might opt to have two or more parties. One with your family that’s more formal and one with your friends that’s a bit casual.

Keep in mind that your guest list should be considerably shorter than who you plan on inviting to the wedding. In addition, plan on doing a lot of talking. Each guest will want to congratulate you on your engagement once the party starts, so take time to speak with them. Of course, there should also be a toast from the bride’s father and your fiance.And don’t forget to toast your host! Gifts are not required from guests, but as a token of appreciation, the bride and groom should give a gift to the host at the end of the party.

Are you having an engagement party? If so, who is your host? Let us know in the poll below.

If you’re having an engagement party, you’re probably scouring your closet, the mall, or your favorite shopping websites for an appropriate outfit. Depending on your engagement party’s venue and theme, there are several different types of ensembles you could wear, but we think the short, white dress is a safe bet. The four (brand-new!) dresses pictured above are some of our favorites.

Jim Hjelm: We love this style for an engagement fete at your family’s favorite restaurant. The lace, bow, and flouncy silhouette keep things feminine, but the beading ups the glam factor.

Encore by Watters: This dress would look gorgeous at an outdoor, waterside celebration. We love the sweet lace paired with the form-fitting silhouette and neckline.

David’s Bridal: Are your friends throwing you a fiesta at your favorite nightclub? Try this sparkly style with its open sleeve detail – so chic and glam!

Theia: For an outdoor backyard event, try this super-girly lace dress with a fun retro feel.

Which of these dresses would you wear to your engagement bash? Let us know in the comments!